Brake assembly and control mechanism for a cart, and method

ABSTRACT

A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/704,220,filed Nov. 6, 2003, which claims priority from provisional applicationSer. No. 60/425,088, filed Nov. 8, 2002, which applications areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to a braking mechanism for a wheeledcart. More particularly, the invention relates to a brake assembly,control mechanism, and method of braking for use with a wheeled cargocart.

BACKGROUND

Carts are used to transport items in commercial establishments, such asgroceries in supermarkets and luggage in airports. Customers place theiritems into such carts in order to transport the items to their parkedvehicle or other destinations. When customers are done with the carts,the carts are placed in central collection areas or simply leftunattended. Often the central collection areas serve as rental andreturn stations such that the customer is reimbursed for returning acart.

Unattended carts pose problems. Many existing carts do not have brakes.These unrestrained carts can roll freely and cause damage to bothpersons and property. This is of particular concern on train platforms,where an unrestrained cart can cause damage to the transportationsystem. The carts themselves also sustain damage thereby reducing theuseful life of the cart. Therefore a brake system is needed thatautomatically engages when the cart is left unattended in certaininstallations.

Several attempts have been made to employ brakes in cart. Most existingcart brakes operate against the tire tread of a cart wheel. This hasseveral disadvantages. For example, the tire tread can become abnormallyworn down, reducing the traction and ultimate safety of the cart. As thetread wears, brake performance is diminished. In addition, the wheelsmust be replaced at regular intervals which increases the overall costof maintaining carts. Also, brake mechanisms acting on the outside ofthe wheel are more susceptible to damage, e.g., the brakes can be easilystruck by a foreign object such as a foot or other carts. In addition,tire treads have a tendency to pick up debris, water and othercontaminants which can damage and reduce the overall effectiveness ofthe braking mechanism. Therefore a need exists for a durable brake whichwill not degrade the tire nor reduce the operational safety of the cart.

Further, nestable carts place certain demands on the braking system.First, the braking system must be compatible with the typicalrental-return station. A common type of rental-return station acceptsthe rear wheel of a cart through a guided wheel slot. The wheel fitssnugly within the slot, and the slot opening is locked to preventunauthorized access. Brake arrangements that operate by engaging thetire tread are typically positioned on the outside of the wheel, and donot easily fit within the guided wheel slot. Even if the brake fitswithin the slot, it is highly susceptible to damage by the guided wheelslot.

Another requirement of nestable carts is the release of the brakingmechanism. Carts are often nested together and returned to a centralcollection area in a long train arrangement. When the carts are nested,all brakes must be released in order to transport the train arrangement.

Therefore, a need exists for a durable cart brake mechanism that willautomatically engage when left unattended, and be configured for receiptwithin guided wheel slots of return stations. The brake must alsodisengage when nested with another cart to facilitate en masse cartmovement.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention relates to a cart having a framewith support members that define a cargo carrying region. The cart alsoincludes a moveable handle connected to the frame and a brake assemblymounted to the frame. The brake assembly includes a brake mechanism andan axle. A wheel is mounted to the axle. The brake mechanism of thebrake assembly is configured to engage the axle to provide brakingoperation of the cart, and disengage from the axle to permit freerotation of the axle.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a brake and controlassembly for a cart, the cart having a frame, a handle, and a wheel. Thebrake and control assembly includes a brake assembly and a brake controlarrangement. The brake assembly is configured to mount to the frame of acart, and includes a brake mechanism and an axle. The brake mechanism isarranged to selectively engage and disengage the axle during braking andnon-braking operation of a cart. The brake control arrangement isconfigured to couple to the handle of a cart and includes a brake rod.The brake rod has an end positioned adjacent to the brake assembly tocontrol the braking and non-braking operation of a cart.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofoperating a cart, the method including providing a cart having a frame,a moveable handle connected to the frame, a brake assembly having abrake mechanism and an axle, and a wheel mounted to the axle. The methodfurther includes rotating the handle of the cart to disengage the brakeassembly to permit free rotation of the axle, and releasing the handleto engage the brake assembly such that the brake mechanism contacts theaxle to provide braking operation of the cart.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a cart forcarrying cargo having a frame a moveable handle and a brake assembly.The brake assembly is configured to engage and disengage by rotation ofthe moveable handle. The cart also includes a brake release device. Thebrake release device is configured to pivot from a first position to asecond position, wherein the brake assembly disengages to permittransport of the wheel when the brake release device is in the secondposition.

And another aspect of the present invention relates to a method oftransporting carts, including a first cart and a second cart, each ofthe carts having a brake release pivotably mounted thereto. The methodincludes pivoting the brake release device of the first cart from afirst position to a second position by nesting the second cart withinthe first cart, and disengaging a brake assembly of the first cart bypivoting the brake release device of the first cart to the secondposition.

A variety of aspects of the invention are set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practicing various aspects of thedisclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate to individualfeatures as well as combinations of features. It is to be understoodthat both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictiveof the claimed invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cart employing one embodiment of abrake assembly and brake control mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the brake assembly and a rearwheel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the cart of FIG. 1 placed in areturn station.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the brake assembly and anactuation assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 4and the brake control mechanism of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the brake control mechanism ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the brake control mechanism of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the brake control mechanism ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the brake control mechanism of FIG.7.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a frame of the cart of FIG. 1, shown inpart, nested with a second cart frame, also shown in part.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the brake assembly and a brake releasedevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the brake release device of FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the actuation assembly and brakecontrol mechanism of FIG. 5.

FIG. 13A is a detail view of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the brake control mechanism ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 14A is a detail view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another cart employing a brake assemblyand another embodiment of a brake control mechanism and brake releasedevice of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the brake assembly and a rearwheel of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the cart of FIG. 15 placed in areturn station.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the brake assembly and anotherembodiment of an actuation assembly of the present invention, shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the brake control mechanismembodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a further exploded, partial view of the brake controlmechanism of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 18and the brake control mechanism of FIG. 20, shown in a release position.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the actuation assembly and thebrake control mechanism of FIG. 21, shown in a first rotated position.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the actuation assembly and thebrake control mechanism of FIG. 21, shown in a second rotated position.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a frame of the cart of FIG. 15, shown inpart, with a second cart frame, also shown in part.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the frames of FIG. 24, shown nested.

FIG. 26 is a partial, exploded, perspective view of the brake releasedevice embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the brake release device ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of the brake release device ofFIG. 27 and the actuation assembly of FIG. 18, shown in a firstposition.

FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of the brake release device andactuation assembly of FIG. 28, shown in a second pivoted position.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a component of the brake release deviceshown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail withreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to thepreferred embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention, which islimited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a brakeassembly 30 and a brake control mechanism 20 for a wheeled cart 100. Inuse, the brake assembly 30 is normally engaged when a handle 16 of thecart 100 is released, that is, the brake assembly prevents the cart fromrolling when the handle is not rotated. When the handle 16 is depressed(i.e. rotated or pushed downward), the brake assembly 30 is disengagedand the cart 100 is permitted to roll.

The present invention has many advantages. One advantage is that thebrake assembly 30 is normally engaged when the cart 100 is leftunattended. This enhances the overall safety of the cart 100 and ensuresthat the cart is not subjected to damage due to uncontrolled movement.

Another advantage is that the brake assembly 30 does not interact withthe wheel 18 when braking. As a result, braking action is not affectedby wheel wear nor does the brake assembly inflict undue damage on thetire tread. Further brake performance is not affected by sand, moisture,or other damaging contaminants that are airborne or would be picked upby the tire tread. This lengthens the useful life of the brake assemblyand the wheel.

Still another advantage is that the brake assembly 30 does not interferewith existing guided wheel slots of rental-return stations 200 (FIG. 3),which capture and release the rear wheel 18 of the cart 100. Inaddition, the present brake assembly provides braking action in both theforward and reverse directions. Finally, the brake assembly 30 isconfigured and arranged for easy replacement and maintenance.

The cart 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured for transportingmaterials, such as packages or luggage, for example. The cart includes aframe 10 generally having a front end 34 and a rear end 36. The frame 10includes first and second rearward upright support members 12 extendingupward from a sleeve joint 82. The first and second rearward uprightsupport members 12 have a hollow tubular construction (shown in FIG.12). A lower platform 24 extends forward from the sleeve joint 82. Apair of rear wheels 18 are oppositely positioned toward the rear end 36of the cart 100. A front rotatable caster 22 that permits the cart toturn is mounted to the lower platform 24 toward the front end 34 of thecart 100.

The handle 16 is operably coupled to each of the rearward uprightsupport members 12 to manually control operation of the brake assembly30 and transport of the cart 100. In particular, the handle 16 isinterconnected to first and second brake control mechanisms 20 by firstand second lever arms 44. The first and second brake control mechanisms20 are positioned adjacent to an upper portion 52 of the rearwardupright support members 12.

The brake control mechanisms 20 operate to engage and disengage thebrake assemblies 30. When the handle 16 is released, represented byposition (A) in FIG. 1, the brake assemblies 30 are normally engaged andprevent rotation of the rear wheels 18. When the handle 16 is depressed,as represented by dashed lines and position (B) in FIG. 6, the brakeassemblies 30 become disengaged and permit rotation of the rear wheels18.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the frame 10 further includes forward uprightsupport members 14 and cross support members 26. The forward uprightsupport members 14 are connected to the upper portion 52 of the rearwardupright support members 12 and to the cross support members 26. Thecross support members 26 are connected to a lower portion 54 of therearward upright support members 12 and to the lower platform 24. In theillustrated embodiment the cross support members 26 have an arcuateshape.

The lower platform 24 of the frame 10 extends forwardly from therearward upright support members 12. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower platform 24 includes an outer lower support member 56 and an innerlower support member 58.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer lower support member 56 has aU-shape configuration. The outer lower support member 56 is arranged toextend from the sleeve joint 82 and an angle C relative to the ground.The angle C is constructed so that cargo placed on the lower platform 24is oriented or angled upward from horizontal to prevent the cargo fromfalling forward off the cart 100. In a preferred embodiment the angle Cis greater than 6 degrees, more preferably, the angle C is between 7degrees and 20 degrees. Most preferably, the angle C is about 14degrees.

To further improve cargo stability, the cross support members 26 of theframe 10 are configured so that larger suitcases can be rearwardlytipped or oriented on the lower platform 24 of the cart 100. Forexample, larger suitcases can be placed on the lower platform 24 of thecart 100 and pushed rearwardly towards the cross support members 26 sothat the bottom of the suitcase contacts the most forward end of thecross support member 26. The top end of the suitcase can then be tippedbackwards toward the upright support members 12, 14 to lessen thetendency for the suitcase to fall forward.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a bumper assembly 68 including cushioned siderollers 70 is secured to the outer lower support member 56 at the frontend 34 of the cart 100. The bumper assembly 68 and side rollers 70protects the cart and other objects from damage caused by impact thatmay occur during use.

The inner lower support member 58 is connected to, and positionedcentrally inward from, the outer lower support member 56. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner lower support member 58 also has aU-shape configuration. As shown in FIG. 10, a mounting bracket 60 iscoupled to the inner lower support member 58 toward the front end 34 ofthe cart 100. The front caster 22 (FIG. 1) is mounted to the cart 100 atthe mounting bracket 60.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the frame 10 further includes transversesupports. First and second transverse bars 64, 66 are positioned tostructurally support the rearward upright support members 12. The firsttransverse bar 64 is positioned and coupled to the lower portions 54 ofthe rearward upright support members 12. The second transverse bar 66 ispositioned and coupled to the upper portions 52 of the rearward uprightsupport members 12. A transverse lower support member 62 isinterconnected to the outer lower support member 56, extendingtransversely across the U-shaped configuration. The transverse lowersupport member 62 structurally supports the lower platform 24.

Referring to FIG. 10, the lower platform 24 is configured such thatduring nesting operation, the forward end of a trailing cart (e.g. 100 bshown in FIG. 10) that is nested within a leading cart 100 a rides up onthe inner lower support member 58. The forward end of the trailing cart100 b is thereby lifted upward so that the front caster 22 of thetrailing cart no longer contacts the ground. This design saves on wearand tear of the front caster 22 during transport of a nested group ofcarts.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 10, a pair of stopping elements 72 ispositioned on the inner lower support member 58 of the cart frame 10 tostop forward motion of a trailing cart 100 b. In particular, thestopping elements 72 of a leading cart 100 a engage the outer lowersupport member 56 of a trailing cart 100 b so that neither of the cartsinterfere with the other cart's rear wheels 18. The stopping elements 72also provide a space between successive carts. The space provides“spatial play” between successive carts of a long nested group so thateach cart can turn relative to another. The spatial play permits a longnested group to curve or bend during transportation of the nested carts.

During a nested group transport (i.e. transport of a number of nestedcarts), a rope or cable (not shown) can be hooked and entrained to aloop member 74 (FIG. 1) of each cart. The rope or cable can be used tointerconnect each of the nested carts of the group to hold the cartstogether during movement or transport.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a cargo basket 76 is mounted tothe rearward and forward upright support members 12, 14. It iscontemplated that the cargo basket 76 can be mounted to other framecomponents; or that other types and configurations of baskets or cargocarrying structures can be used. The illustrated embodiment furthershows side panels 78 located between the rearward and forward uprightsupport members 12, 14; and a rear panel 80 located between each of therearward upright support members 12. The panels assist to containluggage or cargo carried on the cart and can further be used as asurface upon which logos, information, or advertisements may be placed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the rear wheel 18 and brakeassembly 30 is illustrated. The brake assembly 30 is fixedly positionedand mounted within the sleeve joint 82 of the frame 10. As can beunderstood, maintenance and replacement of the brake assembly is easilyperformed, as the brake assembly 30 is readily accessible at the sleevejoint 82. The brake assembly 30 of the illustrated embodiment is apre-assembled component to also simplify maintenance and replacement.Because of the placement and the pre-assembled configuration of thebrake assembly, any necessary replacements can be accomplished less than2 minutes. In the preferred embodiment, the brake assembly has noexpendable parts; thus the entire brake assembly is replaced wheneverreplacement is necessary. The illustrated brake assembly 30 is a sealedassembly to reduce the frequency of cleaning maintenance and any affectcaused by moisture or other contaminates.

The brake assembly 30 includes a housing 83 having an input location 84,and a shoulder 88. The illustrated housing 83 is approximately 1.5inches in diameter. The shoulder 88 of the housing 83 is configured toposition the brake assembly 30 within the sleeve joint 82 such that theinput location 84 is aligned with the rearward upright support member12.

In a preferred embodiment, the brake assembly 30 is a wrap-spring typebrake assembly. A typical wrap-spring brake assembly includes astationery member (not shown), an output member 86, and a torsion spring(not shown) arranged to contact both the stationery member and theoutput member 86. Wrap-spring brake assemblies require no operatingpressure to engage or disengage the brake, such as found incompression-spring type brakes. Rather, the torsion spring, in thisembodiment, wraps down upon the output member 86 when engaged. Thewrap-spring configuration requires less user effort to engage ordisengage the brake, as compared to traditional compression-spring typebrakes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the output member 86 of the brakeassembly 30 is arranged to operate as a wheel axle; the brake assembly30 functions to engage and disengage the wheel axle 86 to providebraking action. The rear wheel 18 includes a wheel hub 90 configured tocouple with the axle 86. Bearings (not shown) are located within thebrake assembly 30. Thus, rotation of the rear wheel 18 occurs only inconcert with the axle 86. Because the brake assembly 30 operates tobrake the axle 86 rather than contact the wheel 18, the brake assembly30 can be used with a variety of different sized wheels configured tofit the axle 86.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fastener 92 is used to securely couplethe rear wheel 18 to the axle 86. When the wheel 18 is worn, thefastener 92 is simply removed and the wheel replaced, without having toremove or replace the brake assembly 30. Other configurations, such as acotter pin connection, for example, can be used to couple the rearwheels 18 to the output member 86 in accord with the principlesdisclosed.

In one embodiment, the brake assemblies 30 are adjustable so that theslip torque of the brake assembly can be modified to fit a customer'sparticular application. That is, various airports and customers havedifferent needs and standards with regards to preventing carts fromrolling. In some situations the brake assembly must be configured toprevent a cart from rolling down a gentle incline; while in othersituations the brake assembly must be configured to prevent a cart fromrolling down a much steeper incline. Thus, in the preferred embodiment,the brake assembly 30 is adjustable to accommodate a variety of customerapplications, while configured and constructed to provide consistentbraking power at the selected torque output. One brake assembly that canbe used in accord with the principles disclosed is manufactured by ReellPrecision Manufacturers, and generally described in U.S. Pat. No.6,561,333, which U.S. patent is herein incorporated, in its entirety, byreference. Other types of brakes that operate to engage and disengage anaxle to prevent and permit rotation, in accord with the presentdisclosure, are contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the presently disclosed cart embodiment isconfigured for use with standard vending systems or return stations 200.One example of a return station is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,959,and herein incorporated by reference. A return station typicallyincludes a channel 202 into which at least one of the rear wheels 18 ofthe cart 100 is retainably placed.

Older conventional carts did not include brakes. Newer conventionalcarts incorporating brakes are often, incompatible with, or difficult toposition within the channel 202 of a return station 200 because ofobstruction or interference between the brakes and the channels 202. Thepresent disclosure discloses a cart 100 having a brake assembly 30 thatis compatible with existing return stations. In particular, the brakingassembly 30 is positioned, and operates, so as to not obstruct the areasurrounding the rear wheels 18; so that placement of the rear wheelwithin the channel 202 of a return station 200 is not hindered.

The brake assembly 30 is engaged and disengaged by operation of anactuation assembly. Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of theactuation assembly 94, in accord with the present disclosure, isillustrated. As can be understood, the illustrated cart 100 includesfirst and second actuation assemblies 94 corresponding to the first andsecond brake assemblies 30. Each of the actuation assemblies 94 ispositioned within the hollow construction of the rearward uprightsupport members 12.

The actuation assembly 94 includes an actuation or brake rod 92, aspring 106, and a brake rod center piece 110. The brake rod center piece110 is secured to the brake rod 92 by a retaining ring or clip 114 andpositioned so that an end portion 116 of the brake rod 92 extends beyondthe brake rod center piece 110 (FIG. 5). The brake rod center piece hasa main portion 104 and a shoulder 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring106 is positioned on the outer diameter of the main portion 104.Fasteners 108 (e.g. rivets) are mounted within corresponding holes 102formed in the rearward upright support members 12. The fasteners 108 arepositioned to preload the spring against the shoulder 112 of the brakerod center piece 110. When the actuation assembly 94 is assembled withinthe rearward upright support members 12, the brake rod center piece 110centers the end portion 116 of the brake rod 92 with the input location84 (FIG. 2) of the brake assembly 30.

FIG. 5 illustrates the actuation assembly 94 in relation to the brakeassembly 30. A target or brake actuation button 118 is located adjacentto the input location 84 of the brake assembly 30. When the target 118is depressed by contact with the end portion 116 of the brake rod 92,the brake assembly 30 engages the axle 86 to provide braking action.When the target 118 is released, the end portion 116 of the brake rod 92is moved upward off the target 118 and the brake assembly disengages theaxle 86 to permit free rotation.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the actuation assembly 94 is shown inrelation to the brake control mechanism 20. The brake rod 92, residingwithin the rearward upright support members 12, interconnects theactuation assembly 94 and the brake control mechanism 20. As can be seenin FIG. 1, the rearward upright support members 12 can be slightlycurved. The brake rod 92 can also be slightly curved or angled tocorrespond to the rearward upright support members 12 (FIG. 13).

The brake control mechanism 20 of the present disclosure generallyincludes a first compression spring 122, a first catch 126, and a liftwire 130. The first catch 126 includes an aperture 192 through which thebrake rod 92 is positioned. The first catch 126 is located adjacent tothe lift wire 130. The first compression spring 122 biases the firstcatch 126 downward on the lift wire 130.

When the handle 16 is released, the catch 126 is oriented generallyperpendicular to the brake rod 92. The first compression spring 122assists to bias and maintain the first catch 126 in this releaseposition (represented as 126(A)).

The lift wire 130 of the brake control mechanism 20 is arranged andconfigured to move in concert with the handle 16. As the handle 16 isdepressed, the lever arm 44 causes the lift wire 130 to pivot.Specifically, as the handle 16 is depressed, the lever arm 44 rotatesaround the pivot joint 134, which pivots the lift wire 130 from aposition shown as 130(A) in FIG. 6, to a position shown as 130(B).

When the handle 16 is depressed, the force from the pivoting actionovercomes the bias of the first spring 122, and the lift wire 130 pivotscausing the first catch 126 to pivot. In particular, as the lift wire130 pivots from a release position 130(A) to a depressed position130(B), the catch 126 likewise pivots from the release position 126(A)to a depressed position 126(B). During rotation of the handle 16, theplane of the catch 126 moves from a position that is generallyperpendicular to the axis of the rod 92 to a position that is cocked ornon-perpendicular to the axis of the rod 92. When the catch 126 cocks inthis matter, edges 124 of the aperture 192 bind or catch on the outerdiameter of the brake rod 92. This causes the first catch 126 to bind orcatch in a fixed relation or interference with the brake rod 92.Continued rotation of the handle 16 further pivots the lift wire 130,thereby lifting both the first catch 126 and the bound brake rod 92. Inone embodiment, the catch 126 causes the brake rod 92 to move upward adistance d1 of between 0.25 inches and 0.5 inches; preferably the catch126 moves the brake rod 92 upward a distance d1 of approximately 0.325inches. As the brake rod 92 moves upward, the end portion 116 (FIG. 5)of the brake rod 92 lifts off the target 118, represented by arrow (B),thereby disengaging the brake assembly 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the brake control mechanism 20 includes acontrol mechanism housing 132 to which the lever arm 44 of the handle 16is pivotally connected. A cover 170 is provided to cover and protect theinternal components of the brake control mechanism 20. The cover 170includes a first portion 171 and a second portion 173. A guide pin 154is formed on the control mechanism housing 132. The guide pin 154corresponds to guide structure (not shown) formed on each of the firstand second portions 171, 173 of the cover, and assists in aligning andjoining the portions of the cover 170. When the portions 171 and 173 arejoined, a slot 175 is formed through which the lever arm 44 extends. Theslot 175 is configured to accommodate the pivoting motion of the leverarm 44.

The lever arm 44 connects to control mechanism housing 132 at a pivotjoint 134. The pivot joint 134 includes two flanges 136 extendingoutward from the control mechanism housing 132. The flanges 136 haveapertures 138 sized and configured for receipt of bearings 140. A pin142 extends through each of the bearings 140 and flanges 136, and anopening 144 in the lever arm 44, to pivotally connect the lever arm 44to the control mechanism housing 132.

As show in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lever arm 44 includes holding structure146 located on either sides of the lever arm. The holding structure 146is configured for receipt of each of the free ends 160 of the lift wire130. In the illustrated embodiment the holding structure 146 includes apair of grooves 148 within which the free ends 160 of the lift wire 130are positioned and securely held. Other types of structure that fixedlyretain the lift wire 130 in relation to the lever arm 44 can be used.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the lever arm 44 also includes a contactsurface 152. The contact surface 152 of the lever arm 44 is configuredto contact a surface 156 (FIG. 9) of the control mechanism housing 132.The contact surface 152 of the lever arm 44 and the stop surface 156 ofthe control mechanism housing 132 are configured to limit rotation ofthe handle 16. Referring back to FIGS. 5 and 6, the handle 16 and leverarm 44 are configured to rotate downward to the depressed position (B)oriented at an angle D from the released position (A). Preferably thehandle 16 (and the lever arm 44) has a limited angle of rotation Dbetween 8 degrees and 15 degrees; more preferably the angle of rotationis limited to approximately 12 degrees.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the illustrated brake control mechanism 20also includes a second catch 128, a second compression spring 162, and athird extension spring 164. The third extension spring 164 is coupledbetween a closed end 158 of the lift wire 130 and a connection 166located on the control mechanism housing 152. The third expressionspring 164 acts to bias the closed end 158 of the lift wire 130downward, thereby biasing the free ends 160 of the lift wire 130 upward.Because the free ends 160 of the lift wire 130 are secured within thegrooves 148 of the holding structures 146 on the lever arm 44, theextension spring 164 also acts to bias lever arm 44 and handle 16 towardthe upward release position (A). FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate the lever armin release position (A).

As best shown in FIG. 9, while the third extension spring 164 is biasingthe first end 158 of the lift wire 130 downward, the first compressionspring 122 also acts to bias first catch 126 and the lift wire 130downward. The second catch 128 and the second compression spring 162operate to release the brake assembly 30, as will be discussed ingreater detail hereinafter.

The control mechanism housing 132 defines a number of chambers orregions sized, arranged, and configured to operably connect the brakecontrol mechanism's components. In particular, the housing 132 includes:a first region 194 (FIGS. 7 and 8) at which the first catch 126 and thefirst compression spring 122 are positioned; a second region 196 (FIG.9) within which the second compression spring 162 is positioned; and athird region 198 (FIGS. 7 and 8) within which the second catch 128 ispositioned. The second region 196 extend into the third region 198 toprovide interaction between the second compression spring 162 and thesecond catch 128, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Acap 163 (FIG. 8) is secured to an opening 197 of the second region 196to contain and preload the second compression spring 162. The housing132 further defines a first opening 184 positioned adjacent to the firstregion 194 through which an end of the first catch 126 extends, and aslotted opening 186 positioned adjacent to the second region 196 throughwhich the second catch 128 extends.

Referring back to FIG. 10, it is desirable to transport multiple cartsin a nested group, and/or to nest a plurality of carts within a vendingsystem or island 200. As previously discussed, when the handles 16 ofthe carts 100 are not depressed, the brake assemblies 30 preventrotation of the rear wheels 18. In the present disclosure, the carts arenot configured such that the handles 16 are depressed when engaged in anested group. In accordance with the present disclosure, a brake releasedevice 96 is provided to disengage the brake assemblies 30 when the cartis nested.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate one embodiment of the brake release device 96.

As the carts are nested, the trailing cart 100 b engages the brakerelease device 96 of a leading cart 100 a. The brake release device 96causes the actuation assembly 94 (FIG. 5) to disengage from the brakeassembly 30, thereby permitting rotation of the rear wheels 18 fortransport. As described in greater detail hereinafter, the brakeassembly 30 remains disengaged until the brake control mechanism 20 isreset by depressing and releasing the handle 16.

Referring to FIG. 11, the brake release device 96 is positioned adjacentto the lower portion 54 of at least one of the rearward upright supportmember 12. The brake release device 96 generally includes an engagementlever 172 connected to a housing 174. The housing 174 includes aninclined plane or cam surface 176.

The position of the brake release device 96 at the rear end 36 of thecart 100 provides several advantages. One advantage relates to thetiming of brake release in nesting operations. Conventional cart designsincorporating braking devices often require a trailing cart to depressthe handle of a leading cart to disengage the braking device. In thisdesign, the trailing cart needs to be almost completely placed or nestedwithin the leading cart before the braking device is disengaged. Anotherdesign uses a cable interconnected to and activated by a device locatednear the caster wheel. In this design, again, the trailing cart needs tobe almost completely nested within the leading cart before the brakingdevice is disengaged.

In the present brake release device arrangement, the brake assembly 30is disengaged when the trailing cart 100 b contacts the engagement lever172 of the leading cart's brake release device 96. The cart need only bepartially nested to disengage the brake assembly 30. In addition, thebrake release device 96 is designed so that the trailing cart caninitially engage the leading cart at an angle and still contact theengagement lever 172 to disengage the brake assembly 30. Thereby preciseplacement of the cart 100 is not necessary to disengage the brakeassembly 30, permitting a user some variance in nested placement.Because the brake assemblies 30 of the leading carts are more quicklydisengaged than in conventional designs, a user can more quickly movethe carts together in a tight nested group, and more quickly transportthe nested group.

Further, some conventional designs requiring almost complete nesting todisengage the braking devices can cause transport problems if one ormore of the carts being transported become partially separated and lockup when the brakes engage. In the present disclosure, spatial separationbetween nested carts during transport does not cause the brake assembly30 to lock up.

Referring back to FIG. 4, a lift pin or dowel 178 is secured to thebrake rod 92 at a positioned in relation to the brake release device 96(see also FIG. 12). When a trailing cart 100 b (FIG. 10) is not nestedor engaged with a leading cart 100 a, the engagement lever 172 of thebrake release device 96 extends inward towards the center of the cartframe 10 (see also FIG. 1). Referring still to FIG. 10, when a trailingcart 100 b engages the leading cart 100 a, the engagement lever 172rotates forward, as shown by the arrow in FIGS. 10 and 11. Rotation ofthe engagement lever 172 is caused by contact from the cross supportmember 26 of the trailing cart 100 b.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the housing 174 rotates, the lift pin 178rides upward along the cam surface 176 to lift the brake rod 92 upward.The pin 178 extends out through slots 98 formed in the hollowconstruction of the rearward upright support members 12. The slots 98are configured and oriented to accommodate the upward movement of thelift pin 178. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 174 includestwo cam surfaces 176 upon which the opposite ends of the lift pin 178engage.

As shown in FIG. 12, the lift pin 178 and brake rod 92 are lifted upwarda distance d2. In one embodiment, the lift pin 178 and brake rod 92 arelifted upward a distance d2 of between 0.350 inches and 0.500 inches;preferably the lift pin 178 and brake rod 92 are lifted upward adistance d2 of approximately 0.400 inches. As the brake rod 92 movesupward, the end portion 116 (FIG. 5) of the brake rod 92 lifts off thetarget 118, thereby disengaging the brake assembly 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, operation of the second catch 128 withrespect to operation of the brake release device 96 is illustrated. Thesecond catch 128 includes an aperture 190 through which the brake rod 92is positioned. When the handle 16 is released, position (A), the secondcatch 128 of the brake control mechanism 20 is biased downward on oneend 182. As shown best in FIG. 13A, the second compression spring 162causes edges 168 of the aperture 190 of the catch 128 to bind or catchon the brake rod 92. Thus, when the handle 16 in is a release position,the second catch 128 binds on the brake rod 92 preventing downwardmovement of the brake rod 92.

Referring now to FIG. 14, when the handle is depressed, a portion 188 ofthe lever arm contacts the one end 182 of the second catch 128. Theupward force caused by the portion 188 of the lever arm is sufficient toovercome the biasing force of the second compression spring 162. Asshown in FIGS. 14 and 14A the upward force from the portion 188 of thelever arm shifts the second catch 128 upward to a position (B) generallyperpendicular with the brake rod 92. In position (B), the brake rod 92is free to move up or down within the aperture 190 of the second catch128. As previously described, when the handle is further rotated, thelift wire 130 (FIG. 6) pivots to engage the first catch 126. By thisarrangement, the lever arm 44 acts to both un-bind the second catch 128and bind the first catch 126 when the handle 16 is depressed. Thisaction occurs in a substantially simultaneous period of time.

When the brake rod 92 is lifted upward by the cam surfaces 176 of thebrake release device 96, and the handle 16 is in the released position,the second catch 128 is oriented to bind with the brake rod 92, as shownin FIG. 13A. The force of the cam surface acting on the lift pin 178(FIG. 12), however, is sufficient enough to overcome the frictionalforce caused by the binding engagement of second catch 128 and the brakerod 92. Thus, the brake rod 92 slides through the aperture 190 in thesecond catch 128 when the brake release device 96 is rotated, eventhough the second catch 128 is bound.

It is to be understood that the frictional forces caused by the secondcatch 128 can be modified by incorporating a compression spring havingof a different strength, thereby providing a greater or lesser springforce and modifying the frictional force between the second catch 128and the brake rod 92. The extension spring 164 can likewise be modifiedto change the frictional force between the first catch 126 and the brakerod 92.

When a cart is removed from a nested group of carts and the handle hasnot yet been moved, a return spring (not shown) contained within thehousing 174 of the brake release device 96 returns the engagement lever172 and the housing 174 of the brake release device 96 to their originalpositions. When this occurs, the second catch 128 is still engaged andbinding on the brake rod 92 to hold the brake rod 92 up from the brakeassembly target 118. The brake assembly 30 is thereby still disengagedand the cart is free to roll.

To re-engage the brake assembly 30, the handle 16 is depressed to resetthe brake control device 20. In particular, depressing the handle 16causes the portion 188 of the lever arm 44 to shift the second catch 128to the position (B) generally perpendicular to the brake rod 92 (FIG.14). At substantially the same time, the first catch 126 binds on thebrake rod 92, as previously described. When the handle 16 issubsequently released, the brake control mechanism 20 and the brake rod92 are “re-set” to the release position (A). When the brake rod 92 movesdownward, i.e. the handle is released, the end portion 116 (FIG. 5) ofthe brake rod 92 contacts the target 118, thereby engaging the brakeassembly 30. The first compression spring 122 and the compression spring106 of the actuation assembly 96 assist in biasing the brake rod 92downward.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-30, a second embodiment of a wheeled cart 300is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 15, the second embodiment of thewheeled cart 300 also includes a brake assembly 230 and a brake controlmechanism 220. In use, the brake assembly 230 is normally engaged when ahandle 216 of the cart 300 is released, that is, the brake assemblyprevents or inhibits the cart from rolling when the handle is notrotated. When the handle 216 is rotated (i.e. depressed or pusheddownward, or raised or lifted upward), the brake assembly 230 isdisengaged and the cart 300 is permitted to roll.

The second embodiment of the present invention includes the advantagesas discussed with regards to the previous embodiment. For example, thebrake assembly 230 is normally engaged when the cart 300 is leftunattended; the brake assembly 230 does not interact with the surface ofthe wheel 218 when braking; and brake performance is not affected bysand, moisture, or other damaging contaminants that are airborne orwould be picked up by the tire tread. Also, the brake assembly 230 doesnot interfere with existing guided wheel slots of rental-return stations200 (FIGS. 3 and 17), provides braking action in both the forward andreverse directions; and is configured and arranged for easy replacementand maintenance.

The basic frame construction of the cart 300 is similar in configurationto that of cart 100 described with respect to the first embodiment ofthe invention. The cart 300 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a frame 210generally having a front end 234 and a rear end 236. The frame 210includes first and second rearward upright support members 212 extendingupward from a sleeve joint 282 (FIG. 16). The first and second rearwardupright support members 212 have a hollow tubular construction (shown inFIG. 18). A lower platform 224 extends forward from the sleeve joints282. Rear wheels 218 are oppositely positioned toward the rear end 236of the cart 300. A front rotatable caster 222 that permits the cart toturn is mounted to the lower platform 224 toward the front end 234 ofthe cart 300.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the handle 216 is operably coupled to eachof the rearward upright support members 212 to manually controloperation of the brake assembly 230 and transport of the cart 300. Inparticular, the handle 216 is interconnected to first and second brakecontrol mechanisms 220 by first and second lever arms 244. The first andsecond brake control mechanisms 220 are positioned adjacent to an upperportion 252 of the rearward upright support members 212.

The brake control mechanisms 220 operate to engage and disengage thebrake assemblies 230. When the handle 216 is released, represented bythe handle position shown in FIGS. 15 and 21, the brake assemblies 230are normally engaged and prevent rotation of the rear wheels 218. Whenthe handle 216 is rotated, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the brakeassemblies 230 become disengaged and permit free rotation of the rearwheels 218.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the frame 210 further includes forwardupright support members 214 and cross support members 226. The forwardupright support members 214 are connected to the upper portion 252 ofthe rearward upright support members 212 and the cross support members226. The cross support members 226 are connected to a lower portion 254of the rearward upright support members 212 and the lower platform 224.In the illustrated embodiment the cross support members 226 have anarcuate shape.

The lower platform 224 of the frame 210 extends forwardly from therearward upright support members 212. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower platform 224 includes an outer lower support member 256 and aninner lower support member 258.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer lower support member 256 has aU-shape configuration. The outer lower support member 256 is arranged toextend from the sleeve joint 282. Similar to the previous embodiment,the outer lower support member 256 is oriented so that cargo placed onthe lower platform 224 is oriented or angled upward from horizontal toprevent the cargo from falling forward off the cart 300. Cushioned siderollers 270 are secured to the outer lower support member 256 at thefront end 234 of the cart 300. The side rollers 270 protect the cart andother objects from damage caused by any impact that may occur duringuse.

The inner lower support member 258 is connected to, and positionedcentrally inward from, the outer lower support member 256. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner lower support member 258 also has aU-shape configuration. A mounting bracket 260 (also partially shown inFIG. 24) is coupled to the inner lower support member 258 toward thefront end 234 of the cart 300. The front caster 222 (FIG. 15) is mountedto the cart 300 at the mounting bracket 260.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the frame 210 further includes transversesupports. In particular, first and second transverse bars 264, 266 arepositioned to structurally support the rearward upright support members212. A transverse lower support member 262, located near the front end234 of the cart 300, is interconnected to the outer lower support member256. The transverse lower support member 262 structurally supports thelower platform 224. In addition, the traverse lower member 262 isconfigured such that during nesting operation, the traverse lowersupport member 262 of a trailing cart (e.g. 300 b shown in FIGS. 24 and25) rides upon on the inner lower support member 258 of a leading cart300 a. The trailing cart 300 b is thereby lifted upward so that thefront caster 222 of the trailing cart 330 b no longer contacts theground.

Still referring to FIGS. 15 and 24, pair of stopping elements 272 ispositioned on the outer lower support member 256 of the cart frame 210to stop forward motion of the trailing cart 300 b. In particular, thestopping elements 272 of the trailing cart 300 b engage correspondingstop structures 383 of the leading cart 300 a so that neither of thecarts interferes with the other cart's rear wheels.

During a nested group transport (i.e. transport of a number of nestedcarts), a rope or cable (not shown) can be hooked and entrained to aloop member 274 (FIGS. 15 and 16) of each cart. The rope or cable can beused to interconnect each of the nested carts of the group to hold thecarts together during movement or transport. Similar to the previousembodiment, the wheeled cart 300 also includes a cargo basket 276mounted to the rearward and forward upright support members 212, 214.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the brake assembly 230 of the secondembodiment is fixedly positioned and mounted within the sleeve joint 282of the frame 210. The brake assembly 230 includes a housing 283 havingan input location 284, and a shoulder 288. The shoulder 288 of thehousing 283 is configured to position the brake assembly 230 within thesleeve joint 282 such that the input location 284 is aligned with therearward upright support member 212. A snap ring 213 is used to securethe brake assembly 230 within the sleeve.

The brake assembly 230 is similar in construction and operation to thebrake assembly 30 previously described with respect to the firstembodiment of the invention. The brake assembly 230 is a wrap-springtype brake assembly including an output member 286 arranged to operateas a wheel axle. The brake assembly 230 functions to engage anddisengage the output member or axle 286 to provide braking action. Therear wheel 218 includes a wheel hub 290 configured to couple with theaxle 286. A fastener 292 couples the rear wheel 218 to the axle 286.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the second wheeled cart embodiment 300 is alsoconfigured for use with standard vending systems or return stations 200.That is, the brake assembly 230 is compatible with existing returnstations. In particular, the braking assembly 230 is positioned, andoperates, so as to not obstruct the area surrounding the rear wheels218; so that placement of the rear wheel within a channel 202 of areturn station 200 is not hindered.

The brake assembly 230 is engaged and disengaged by operation of anactuation assembly 294. Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 21-23, anotherembodiment of the actuation assembly 294, in accord with the presentdisclosure, is illustrated. As can be understood, the illustrated cart300 includes first and second actuation assemblies 294 corresponding tothe first and second brake assemblies 230. Each of the actuationassemblies 294 is positioned within the hollow construction of therearward upright support members 212.

The actuation assembly 294 includes an brake rod 292, a spring 306, anda brake rod center piece 310. The brake rod center piece 310 ispositioned about the brake rod 292. When assembled, the brake rod centerpiece 310 rests upon the sleeve 282. That is, the hole (not shown)formed in the sleeve 282 through which the brake rod 292 extends istypically less than the inside diameter of the upright support member212; thereby providing a shoulder upon which the brake rod center piece310 may rest. In the alternative, the brake rod center piece 310 can beconfigured with an interference fit so that the center piece 310 isfrictionally secured at a position within the support member 212. Whenthe actuation assembly 294 is assembled within the upright supportmembers 212, the brake rod center piece 310 axially centers an endportion 316 of the brake rod 292 in alignment with the input location284 (FIG. 18) of the brake assembly 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, the spring 306 of the actuation assembly294 is positioned about the outer diameter of the brake rod 292. Tabs308 are formed on the brake rod 292. The tabs 308 are positioned inrelation to the spring 306 so that the spring 306 biases the brake rod292 toward the brake assembly 230. As shown in FIG. 18, a target orbrake actuation button 318 is located adjacent to the input location 284of the brake assembly 230. When the target 318 is depressed by the endportion 316 of the brake rod 292 (e.g. when the handle 216 is releasedas shown in FIG. 21), the brake assembly 230 engages the axle 286 toprovide braking action. When the target 318 is released (e.g. when thehandle 216 is rotated as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23), the end portion 316of the brake rod 292 moves upward off the target 318 and the brakeassembly disengages the axle 286 to permit free rotation.

Still referring to FIGS. 21-23, the actuation assembly 294 is shown inrelation to the brake control mechanism 220. The brake rod 292 of theactuation assembly 294 is generally the interconnecting member betweenand the brake control mechanism 220 and the brake assembly 230.

As shown, the brake control mechanism 220 of the second embodimentincludes a control mechanism housing 332. A first compression spring322, a positioning structure 326 and a lift piece 330 are arrangedwithin the housing 332. The brake rod extends through a spacer 385 alsopositioned with the housing 332. The spacer 385 operably compresses thespring 306 of the actuation assembly 294 to provide the downward biasupon the brake rod 292.

The positioning structure 326 and the lift piece 330 each includes anaperture through which the brake rod 292 is positioned (only aperture392 of the lift piece 330 is shown, see FIG. 20). The first compressionspring 322 is placed between the positioning structure 326 and fasteners327 attached to the end of the brake rod 292. In overall operation, thepositioning structure 326 in combination with the first compressionspring 322 function to return the handle 216 of the cart 300 from arotated position to a non-rotated position when the handle 216 isreleased; and the lift piece 330 in combination with the spring 306function to raise and lower the brake rod 292 to disengage and engagethe brake assembly 230.

To disengage and engage the brake assembly, the brake rod 292 is raisedand lowered by rotating and releasing the handle 216. When the handle216 is depressed, for example, the force from the pivoting action of thehandle 216 overcomes the bias of the first spring 322, and first andsecond ends 335, 337 of the lift piece 330 pivot as shown in FIG. 22. Asthe first end 335 of the lift piece 330 pivots upward, edges 324 (FIG.20) of the aperture 392 bind or catch the outer diameter of the brakerod 292. That is, the lift piece 330 binds or catches in a fixedrelation or interference with the brake rod 292. Continued downwardrotation of the handle 216 further pivots the lift piece 330, therebylifting both the lift piece 330 and the bound brake rod 292. As thebrake rod 292 is lifted upward, the end portion 316 (FIG. 22) of thebrake rod 292 lifts off the target 318, thereby disengaging the brakeassembly 230.

Likewise, when the handle 216 is raised or pivoted upward, the forcefrom the pivoting action of the handle 216 overcomes the bias of thefirst spring 322, and the first and second ends 335, 337 of the liftpiece 330 pivot as shown in FIG. 23. As the second end 337 of the liftpiece 330 pivots upward, the edges 324 (FIG. 20) of the aperture 392bind or catch the outer diameter of the brake rod 292. Continued upwardrotation of the handle 216 further pivots the lift piece 330, therebylifting both the lift piece 330 and the bound brake rod 292 to disengagethe brake assembly 230.

In general, the lift piece 330 is arranged and configured to move inconcert with the handle 216 (as shown in FIGS. 21-23). That is, when thehandle 216 is rotated, the lift piece 330 rotates or pivots accordingly.The first compression spring 322 and the positioning structure 326 biasthe lift piece 330 to return the handle 216 of the cart 300 from eitherof the rotated positions to the non-rotated position when the handle 216is released.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the first end 335 of the lift piece 330includes a hooked structure 339 configured to couple to a connectionpiece 341. The connection piece 341 couples to flanges of the lever arm244. The positioning structure 326 is located adjacent to the lift piece330. The first compression spring 322 provides a force that biases thepositioning structure 326 to the position shown in FIG. 21. When thehandle 216 or lever arm 244 is rotated downward, the first end 335 ofthe lift piece 330 contacts a first end 331 (FIG. 22) of the positioningstructure 326. The spring 322 and positioning structure 326 act to pushdownward on the first end 335 of the lift piece 330 to return the leverarm 244 back to the released position shown in FIG. 21. Likewise, whenthe lever arm 244 is rotated upward, the compression spring 322 and anintermediate region 343 (FIG. 23) of the positioning structure 326 actto push downward on the second end 337 of the lift piece 330. This forcealso biases the lever arm 244 back to the released position shown inFIG. 21.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the lever arm 244 of the handle 216 ispivotally connected to the housing 332 of the brake control mechanism220 at a pivot joint 334. The pivot joint 334 includes a pin 342 extendthrough at least one bearing 340 contained by the housing 332. The pin342 is secured to the lever arm 244 by snap rings 387.

The housing 332 couples to the support member 212 of the frame 210 by aclamp structure 313. The clamp structure 313 includes first and secondflanges 315 (only one shown in FIG. 20) that are clamped together by afastener 317 to secure the housing 332 to the support member 212. Inaddition, the housing 332 includes a slot 319 to further secure thehousing 332 to the support member 212. As shown in FIG. 19, a set screw321 is positioned to extend through the slot 319 and into a threadedhole 323 formed in the support member 212. As can be understood, theslot 319 permits for ease of assembly by providing allowable play in theangular orientation of the housing 332 relative to the support member212.

Still referring to FIG. 19, a cover 370 is provided to cover and protectthe internal components of the brake control mechanism 220. The cover370 includes a first portion 371 and a second portion 373 securedtogether by fasteners. When the portions 371 and 373 are joined, a slot375 is formed through which the lever arm 244 extends. The slot 375 isconfigured to accommodate the pivoting motion of the lever arm 244.

As shown best in FIGS. 21-23, the lever arm 244 includes a contactsurface 352 arranged to contact a stop surface 356 of the controlmechanism housing 332. The contact surface 352 of the lever arm 244 andthe stop surface 356 of the control mechanism housing 332 are configuredto limit downward rotation of the handle 216. Likewise, the brakecontrol mechanism 220 includes an arrangement configured to limit theupward rotation of the handle 216 and lever arm 244. In particular, thehooked construction 339 of the lift piece 330 is configured to contact astop structure 325 (see also FIG. 20) formed on the housing 332.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the second embodiment of thewheeled cart 300 also includes a brake release device 296 (FIG. 15)configured to disengage the brake assemblies 230 independent of thebrake control mechanism 220 when the cart is nested. That is, the brakerelease device 296 disengages the brake assembly without input from thebrake control mechanism 220 and whether or not the handle 216 isrotated.

FIGS. 24-29 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the brake releasedevice 296. As previously described with regard to the first embodiment,when the carts are nested (FIGS. 24 and 25), the trailing cart 300 bengages the brake release device 296 of a leading cart 300 a. The brakerelease device 296 causes the actuation assembly 294 (FIG. 21) todisengage the brake assembly 230, thereby permitting rotation of therear wheels 218 for nested transport.

Referring to FIG. 26-29, the second embodiment of the brake releasedevice 296 is positioned adjacent to the lower portion 254 of at leastone of the rearward upright support member 212. The brake release device296 generally includes an engagement lever 372 connected to a housing374. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27, the housing 374 includesa first housing compartment 353 and a second housing compartment 355.The first and second compartments 353, 355 are separated by a dividerstructure 357.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the brake release device 296 includescollar 359 fastened or secured to the upright support member 212. Thecollar 359 is positioned within the first housing compartment 353 whenthe brake release device 296 is fully assembled (FIGS. 28 and 29). Anextension spring 361 is coupled to the collar 359 and the housing 374.In particular, one end of the extension spring 361 is connected tobosses 363 formed on the collar 359 by a first pin connection 365. Theopposite end of the extension spring 361 is connected to the housing 374by a second pin connection 367. The extension spring 361 biases thehousing to a non-pivoted position as shown in FIGS. 15 and 24.

The housing 374 preferably includes at least one inclined plane or camsurface 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 374 has two camsurfaces 376 located in opposite halves of the housing (FIGS. 27 and30). The cam surfaces 376 are located within the second housingcompartment 355 of the housing 376.

When a trailing cart 300 b (FIG. 24) is not nested or engaged with aleading cart 300 a, the engagement lever 372 of the brake release device296 extends inward towards the center of the cart frame 210 (see alsoFIG. 15). When a trailing cart 300 b engages the leading cart 300 a, theengagement lever 372 rotates or pivots forward, as shown by the arrowsin FIG. 25. Rotation of the engagement lever 372 is caused by contact ofthe lever 372 with the outer lower support member 256 of the trailingcart 300 b.

Referring to FIG. 26, a dowel or lift pin 378 is fixed in relation tothe brake rod 292. In particular, the pin 378 extends through slots 298formed in the upright member 212 and is positioned through an aperture345 (FIG. 28) formed in a flat 347 of the brake rod 292. Rollers 349 arepositioned on ends of the pin 378. As can be understood, the arrangementof the pin 378 rotationally fixes the brake rod 292 relative to thesupport member 212.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, when the housing 374 pivots, the rollers349 (rotationally fixed) roll along the cam surfaces 376. The force ofthe cam surfaces 376 acting upon the lift pin 378 and brake rod 292 issufficient enough to overcome the force from the spring 306 of theactivation assembly 294, which acts downward upon the brake rod 292. Thecam surfaces 376 thereby push the pin 378, and the brake rod 292, upwardas the housing pivots 374. The slots 298 formed in the support member212 are configured and oriented to accommodate the upward movement ofthe pin 378. As the pin 378 and brake rod 292 move upward, the endportion 316 (FIG. 21) of the brake rod 292 lifts off the target 318,thereby disengaging the brake assembly 230.

Referring back to FIG. 27, the housing 374 pivots relative to the collar359. The collar 359 is configured to function as a bearing surface uponwhich the housing 374 pivots. When the housing pivots, the extensionspring 361 extends. The collar 359 further includes a groove structure377 that functions to contain and guide the extension spring 361 as thehousing 374 pivots.

When a cart 300 is removed from a nested group of carts, the extensionspring 361 biases the brake release device 296 back to the originalnon-pivoted position shown in FIG. 24. As the brake release device 296returns to the non-pivoted position, force from the spring 306 of theactuation assembly 294 also causes the brake rod 292, pin 378 androllers 249 to follow the cam surface 376 back to the original position.As the brake rod 292 returns to the original position, the end 316 ofthe rod 292 engages and activates the brake assembly 230.

In an alternative embodiment, the cam surface 376 may include a detent389 (shown in phantom in FIG. 30) to maintain the brake rod 292 in thelifted position even when the cart 300 is removed from a nested group.This arrangement would permit movement of the un-nest cart 300 until thehandle 216 is rotated. That is, by rotating the handle 216, the brakerod 292 is further lifted thereby raising the rollers 249 out from thedetent 389 and permitting the extension spring 361 to return the brakerelease device 296 back to the original non-pivoted position.

The housing 374 of the brake release device 296 shown in FIGS. 27-29 isa right-handed housing configured to attach to the right upright supportmember 212. Referring now to FIG. 30, half of a left-handed housing 374is illustrated. The left-handed housing is a mirror image of theright-handed housing. The left-handed housing view illustrates stops orribs 379 that are also incorporated into the right-handed housing.Referring to FIG. 30, rotation of the housing 374 is limited by the ribs379 formed in the first housing compartment 353 of the housing 374. Inparticular, the ribs 379 contact the bosses 363 of the collar 359 whenthe housing 374 has rotated a predetermined distance.

The above specification provides a complete description of twoembodiments of the Brake Assembly and Control Mechanism for a Cart, andMethod. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A cart for carrying cargo, the cart comprising: a frame havingsupport members that define a cargo carrying region; a moveable handleconnected to the frame; a brake assembly mounted to the frame, the brakeassembly including a brake mechanism and an axle; a wheel mounted to theaxle of the brake assembly; wherein the brake mechanism of the brakeassembly is configured to engage the axle to provide braking operationof the cart, and disengage the axle to permit free rotation of the axle.2. The cart of claim 1, wherein the brake mechanism of the brakeassembly includes a wrap-spring configured to engage and disengage theaxle.
 3. The cart of claim 1, further including a brake controlarrangement configured to disengage the brake assembly when the handleof the cart is rotated.
 4. The cart of claim 3, wherein the brakecontrol arrangement disengages the brake assembly when the handle of thecart is rotated in a first direction.
 5. The cart of claim 4, whereinthe brake control arrangement disengages the brake assembly when thehandle of the cart is rotated in either the first direction or a secondopposite direction.
 6. The cart of claim 1, wherein the wheel and brakeassembly are arranged such that the wheel fits within a guiding wheelslot of a rental-return station.
 7. The cart of claim 1, furtherincluding a brake release device attached to the frame, the brakerelease device being configured to pivot from a first position to asecond position, wherein the brake mechanism disengages the axle topermit rotation of the wheel when the brake release device is in thesecond position.
 8. The cart of claim 7, wherein the cart is a firstcart, and wherein the brake release device of the first cart pivots tothe second position when a second cart is nested within the frame of thefirst cart.
 9. The cart of claim 8, wherein the brake assembly remainsdisengaged when the brake release device returns to the first positionfrom the second position, and remains disengaged until the handle of thecart is rotated and released.
 10. The cart of claim 8, wherein the brakemechanism re-engages the axle when the brake release device returns tothe first position from the second position.
 11. The cart of claim 1,further including a brake release device configured to pivot from afirst position to a second position to disengage the brake assemblyindependent of the brake control arrangement.
 12. The cart of claim 11,wherein the brake mechanism is engaged when the handle is in anon-rotated position and the brake release device is in the firstposition.
 13. The cart of claim 12, wherein the brake mechanism isdisengaged when the handle is rotated or when the brake release deviceis in the second position.
 14. The cart of claim 1, further including abrake rod, the brake rod having a first end operably interconnected tothe handle and a second end located adjacent to the brake assembly, thebrake rod being positioned within one of the support member of theframe.
 15. A brake and control assembly for a cart having a frame, ahandle, and a wheel, the brake and control assembly comprising: a brakeassembly configured to mount to the frame of a cart, the brake assemblyincluding a brake mechanism and an axle configured to connect to thewheel of a cart, the brake mechanism being arranged to selectivelyengage and disengage the axle during braking and non-braking operationof a cart; and a brake control arrangement configured to couple to thehandle of a cart, the brake control arrangement including an actuationmember positioned adjacent to the brake assembly to control the brakingand non-braking operation of a cart.
 16. The brake and control assemblyof claim 15, wherein the brake mechanism contacts only the axle duringbraking operation of a cart.
 17. The brake and control assembly of claim15, wherein the brake assembly further includes wheel bearings thatpermits free rotation of the axle when the brake mechanism is disengagedfrom the axle.
 18. The brake and control assembly of claim 15, furtherincluding a brake release device configured to disengage the brakeassembly independent of the brake control arrangement.
 19. A method ofoperating a cart, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carthaving a frame, a handle connected to the frame, a brake assembly havinga brake mechanism and an axle, and a wheel mounted to the axle; rotatingthe handle of the cart to disengage the brake assembly to permit freerotation of the axle; releasing the handle to engage the brake assemblysuch the brake mechanism contacts the axle to provide braking operationof the cart.
 20. The method of claim 19, further including pivoting abrake release device to disengage the brake assembly and permit freerotation of the axle independent of rotation of the handle of the cart.